Seven Senate Republicans joined 22 Democrats in supporting the bill. And three Democrats voted with nine Republicans in opposing it. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

It would make it a misdemeanor for non-police to openly carry a gun in the Roundhouse. And it would be a fourth-degree felony to discharge a gun in the Capitol unless done in self-defense or defense of another.

The bill was prompted by instances of people carrying rifles to hearings in the Legislature. Sen. Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, told fellow senators that some of his constituents have told him they won’t come to a legislative session to speak on bills because of a climate of fear.

“It’s very intimidating with guns being openly carried,” Wirth said.

Sharer, who normally votes against any type of gun control legislation, said, “It’s not fear of firearms that’s driving me. It’s so we can have reasonable debate in the Capitol.”

Before the Senate convened Saturday, Sharer told The New Mexican, “When someone’s in the back of the [committee] room waving a gun around, I want to say, ‘You’re not helping, jackass.’ “

During the two-hour debate on the bill, opponents called the measure an unnecessary restriction on gun rights.

Referring to Wirth’s statement about constituents being intimidated by people carrying guns, Sen. Greg Baca, R-Belen, said it would be intimidating to gun enthusiasts to tell them they can’t bring guns into the Roundhouse.

Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, took that line of reasoning a step further by introducing a proposed amendment that would have required background checks for anyone speaking in the Capitol Rotunda.

Sharer responded, “I know this is to make a point. But we don’t let people scream ‘fire’ in a crowded theater. … Don’t scream fire with your firearm.”

Pirtle later admitted that he disagreed with “most of” what was in his own amendment and withdrew it.

His was just one of several amendments that opponents proposed during the debate.

An amendment by Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, would have called for posting signs around the Capitol saying it is illegal to carry guns in the building — without actually making it illegal to have guns there.

Ivey-Soto said that amendment would be posting a notice “that is a lie to the public.”

This angered Muñoz, who shot back, saying, “This bill’s actually a true lie to the public. We’re not protecting the public. … Some day, some place, something’s going to happen. I hope it doesn’t, but this world is crazy.”

He withdrew that amendment but later offered another that would have required metal detectors at Capitol entrances.

Sharer said, “If someone wants to shoot any of us, they’re going to do it. … This bill is not about creating a Fortress Santa Fe.”

Muñoz argued there are lax safety measures in the Capitol. Sharer declined to discuss specifics but pointed out that state police protect the Capitol. “I think it’s a pretty safe building,” he said.

Muñoz’s call for metal detectors failed.

Earlier Saturday, the Senate voted 25-15 to approve another gun control measure sponsored by Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces. Cervantes’ proposal, Senate Bill 259, would require someone who is the subject of a restraining order to relinquish any guns he or she owns. It also prohibits that person from buying or obtaining any other guns as long as the order is in effect.

In addition, people under such an order would have to deliver their firearms to a third party that is not prohibited from possessing a firearm by state or federal law. That could be a licensed firearms dealer, a law enforcement agency or to anyone legally allowed to possess a firearm except for a household member or close relative.

“A cooling-off period, where a judge can assure there is not a gun in the mix, will undoubtedly help save lives,” Cervantes said.

The bill passed on a near party-line vote, with Republican Whip Bill Payne of Albuquerque voting with 24 Democrats. Muñoz, who had argued against the bill, left the chamber without voting.

“Restricting firearm access to domestic abusers will help keep our families safer from gun violence and domestic abuse. There is an incontrovertible and overwhelming reason why we should pass this bill. … It saves lives.”

Related

More About

Attack ads, political bottle tossing and recriminations have marked this year’s race to replace outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez, who is leaving office due to term limits. The campaign’s increasingly dark tone illustrates the state of play in politics here in New Mexico and across the nation.

The state House of Representatives approved a $7 billion budget on Thursday, sending to the Senate a plan for the next fiscal year that would provide nearly half a billion dollars in additional funds for public schools but which Republicans say amounts to an outsize increase in government spending. House Bill 2 would mark an 11 percent bump in New Mexico's budget, drawing on a surplus fueled by an oil and gas boom.

The state Senate narrowly approved a bill Thursday that would require just about anyone buying a firearm to undergo a background check. This legislation has been a priority for gun control advocates, but all 16 Republicans and four Democrats in the Senate said it would not prevent the sort of mass shootings that have spurred calls for such laws.

All week, we look for stories that help New Mexicans better understand what’s happening with water, climate, energy, landscapes and communities around the region. Thursday morning, that news goes out via email.

The state Senate narrowly approved a bill Thursday that would require just about anyone buying a firearm to undergo a background check. This legislation has been a priority for gun control advocates, but all 16 Republicans and four Democrats in the Senate said it would not prevent the sort of mass shootings that have spurred calls for such laws.

Some vetoes by Gov. Susana Martinez are raising eyebrows among legislators and others—and at least one partial veto may be challenged in court. Wednesday was the final day for Martinez to decide whether or not to sign bills from this year’s legislative session.

Related Series

Join the Conversation on Twitter

Recent Posts

The state House of Representatives approved a $7 billion budget on Thursday, sending to the Senate a plan for the next fiscal year that would provide nearly half a billion dollars in additional funds for public schools but which Republicans say amounts to an outsize increase in government spending.